Arden of Faversham

by Catherine Richardson (Editor), Gordon McMullan (Series Editor), John Jowett (Series Editor)

Based on the true story of the murder of Thomas Arden by his wife, her lover and accomplices in 1551, Arden of Faversham is one of the earliest domestic tragedies and a play which has continued to thrill audiences since its first staging. This comprehensive edition situates the play in its social, cultural and political context while exploring its performance and critical history through a range of historical and contemporary productions, including William Poel's Lilies That Fester (1897) and the Royal Shakespeare Company's 2014 production. Throughout, the edition aims to reanimate the play's engagement with the material culture of domestic life, using little-known evidence for the objects and spaces implicated in the murder. The introduction also accounts for recent new thinking about the play's likely authorship, including claims that Shakespeare was a key co-author. The comprehensive, illustrated introduction combined with detailed on-page commentary notes and glosses make this an ideal edition for students and teachers.

360 pages, Paperback

Published April 21, 2022

Reviews

[John Matthew IV · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book because I will see Shakespeare BASH'd do a staged reading next Sunday.

I really enjoyed reading the play and learning about it. It probably is a very early Shakespeare collaboration.

I see several scenes from Macbeth in this play.

Looking forward to seeing it.

[Sara Wiser]

SHAKEBAG

[Bardfilm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great play. Great editorial matter.

[Sophia · Rating 3 out of 5]

kinda silly

[rosie · Rating 2 out of 5]

this was... a journey?